Cheap, effective, edge inspector,frugal woodworking

This is a old movie projector lens that I use for inspecting the edges of my tools. You can also use a camera lens for the same thing. I got mine at goodwill. These are fairly powerful (maybe 12X)and high quality. You do have to get close to your work for them to focus. I like this better than my 30 dollar hand lens.

My edge inspector is the wood I’m working on. If the tool cuts well, its sharp enough. I wouldn’t even know what a sharp edge looked like if I looked at it through a lens. WHat can I say…...I’m a primate.